Singapore River – 24 hours Waterfront Lifestyle Destination
29 February 2008

Singapore River To Undergo Enhancement Works, Host Signature Events

Boost standing as iconic 24-hour waterfront lifestyle destination

Already a thriving hive of activity, the Singapore River will soon undergo enhancements and host new events to develop it into an even more compelling waterfront precinct offering myriad lifestyle and entertainment options round the clock. In the pipeline are a series of infrastructural developments that will accentuate the historic district’s unique features and distinctive charm by night, including new lighting installations, as well as the staging of new signature events to brand the different quays along the river.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) today outlined details of the hardware and software plans for the area, which will stretch from Cavenagh Bridge at the mouth of Singapore River to Kim Seng Bridge some three kilometres upstream. The project is also supported by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the National Parks Board (NParks).

The rejuvenation of Singapore River is part of the Government’s strategic plan to enhance night-time buzz in the city. A multi-agency committee, chaired by the URA, was set up to implement projects aimed at providing stimulus to generate economic activities in various sectors, and improve the range and quality of evening activities in key districts within the city such as Singapore River, Orchard Road and Marina Bay. The committee aims to develop a vibrant evening economy through a three-pronged strategy:

1. Improving the ‘hardware’, or infrastructural developments in these areas;
2. Enhancing the ‘software’ through events and activities, and actively marketing to an international and local audience;
3. Playing an enabling and facilitating role by working with the private sector to promote and encourage more evening activities.

Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, Chief Executive Officer of the URA and Chairperson of the committee, said “For Singapore, it makes sense for us to create a vibrant night life, given that our cool night weather is more conducive to various activities. We’ve been good at the hardware, but we lack the software – the intangibles that create an ambience of excitement and electricity in the air. Our challenge is to develop a vibrant evening economy, one that contributes to the quality of life and adds to the buzz and hip factor of our city.”

The Singapore River is already a magnet for visitors and local residents, particularly those who seek arts, nightlife and dining experiences. Steeped in history and heritage, the river is well-visited in the day for the various tourist attractions and iconic landmarks, such as the Raffles Landing Site, the Asian Civilisations Museum, Cavenagh Bridge and The Arts House (former Parliament House). After dark, the area transforms into a popular dining and entertainment enclave.

Ms Margaret Teo, Assistant Chief Executive (Leisure) at the Singapore Tourism Board, told journalists at the media conference that the Singapore River can be much more. She said, “Like Orchard Road and the Marina Bay precincts, the Singapore River has the potential to stand out as a distinctive 24-hour entertainment lifestyle destination in Singapore, particularly for young adults and urban professionals. What we hope to achieve through the upcoming developments is to enhance the precinct to further bring out its unique character and charm, particularly its waterfront setting by night.”

“The plans lined up will add to the precinct’s overall appeal and augment our international standing as an exciting, dynamic and vibrant city and a leading events and entertainment capital in Asia.”

The revitalisation of the Singapore River precinct is aligned with STB’s strategic efforts to attract 17 million visitors and S$30 billion in tourism receipts by 2015, Ms Teo added.